Risk of Miscarriage Increased with Antidepressants and Pain Killers

Women with PCOS have poorer pregnancy outcomes than other women.

One thing you can do for a better outcome is carefully review your use of pharmaceutical drugs while pregnant.

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A Canadian study of 5,124 women has revealed that women who take either antidepressants or NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) while pregnant have a significantly higher rate of miscarriage.

The most commonly used antidepressants were SSRIs. Among these, paroxetine (Paxil) and venlafaxine (Effexor) were associated with a 51% increased risk of spontaneous abortion.

The risk of aborted pregnancy also increased with higher daily doses of these drugs. In addition, the researchers noted that using a combination of different antidepressants doubled the risk.

Unfortunately, antidepressant use is common during pregnancy, with up to 3.7% of women taking the drugs during the first trimester.

The study indicated that the drugs, rather than the mothers' depression and anxiety, were associated with an increased risk for miscarriage.

NSAIDS Also a Risk

Women taking NSAIDs during the early stages of pregnancy had 2.4 times the risk of miscarriage compared to women who did not take NSAIDs in this study.

Individual drugs have different risks. Diclofenac tripled the risk; naproxen (Aleve) had a 2.6-times increased risk, and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) doubled the risk. Combinations of drugs were associated with a 2.6-times increased risk.

We all have little aches and pains at times. This is usually caused by inflammation. You can actually reduce chronic inflammation by improving your diet. There are also many natural herbs, antioxidants and other natural products you can take as well. None of these have the side effects that NSAIDs have.

Besides medications, there are "natural" things you can do to help relieve depression, such as taking fish oil or eating healthier foods.

As soon as you become pregnant, especially if you have PCOS, please consult with your doctor about the benefits and risks of every pharmaceutical drug you take.

Sources:
Nakhai-Pour HR et al, Use of antidepressants during pregnancy and the risk of spontaneous abortion, CMAJ. 2010 Jul 13;182(10):1031-7
Nakhai-Pour HR et al, Use of nonaspirin nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs during pregnancy and the risk of spontaneous abortion, CMAJ. 2011 Oct 18;183(15):1713-20.